Police officers learn how better living can control stress

22nd of Feb 2013

Dar es Salaam

Tanzania

Life can be challenging for a police officer in the city that never sleeps. Whether it is dealing with the constant flow of offenders, managing the escalating traffic or rehabilitating misguided youth towards a better life, the police officers are always at the forefront.

With this powerful role of enforcing law and order come high levels of stress. To help police personnel combat their stress levels with the same ferocity as they tackle law-breakers, The Art of Living Foundation was invited to introduce its stress-elimination programmes to police personnel in Dar es Salaam.

The Art of Living Foundation is a registered not-for-profit, educational and humanitarian non-governmental organisation engaged in stress-management and service initiatives.

Courses conducted by the foundation have benefited people of all traditions, religions and walks of life in universities, churches, governments, businesses, prisons, war zones, community rooms and living rooms. It gives participants the practical knowledge and techniques to unlock their deepest potential and bring fullness to life.

Whether happy and successful or feeling the stress of poor health, disappointments, or fear, every participant is cared for and comes away lighter, with effective techniques for releasing mental and physical stress and increasing his or her health, energy, peace, self-knowledge, awareness, and joy.

One of the many processes taught in the course is Sudarshan Kriya, which incorporates specific natural rhythms of breath which harmonize the body, mind and emotions. This unique breathing technique eliminates stress, fatigue and negative emotions such as anger, frustration and depression, leaving you calm, energised, focused and relaxed.

It all began when Chief of Traffic Police Mohammed Mpinga gave the green signal for The Art of Living Course to be held for all police officials in Dar es Salaam.

A total of 20 female and 30 male police officers participated in The Art of Living course at the Police Band offices along Kilwa Road Barracks from February 5 to 8 this year. Meanwhile, 20 female and 50 male police officers participated in the course at the Dar es Salaam Police Academy at Kurasini from February 11 to 15.

Many of those who underwent the training have reported enhanced fitness levels, confidence and alertness while dealing with high pressure situations.

This project was initiated by volunteer Maheshwaran Venkataseshan and conducted by International faculty for The Art of Living Foundation, Deepak Lanka. Its chairman, Rama Subramaniam, envisages training more trainee constables and officers.

The Art of Living course has been taught to law enforcement personnel around the world. Research has also been conducted on their reported benefits.

Rehabilitation of prisoners is another area where the foundation is successfully engaged in.